Tennessee Distracted Driving Laws Amended
July 20. 2011
An amendment to Tennessee’s laws regarding distracted driving changed earlier this month, making the penalties for causing a pedestrian or bicyclist fatality much more severe. The Knoxville Sentinel News reported the change took effect on July 1st and made the penalty for killing a pedestrian or bicyclist a class A misdemeanor, instead of a class C violation. The punishment could result in just under 12 months in prison, a revocation of a driver’s license for up to a year, and a $500 fine. Causing an injury could result in imprisonment for up to 6 months, revocation of a driver’s license for up to six months, and a $250 fine.
The amendment was backed by Bike Walk Tennessee, after receiving numerous reports of individuals hitting and killing bikers and pedestrians, and essentially, walking away. Caroline Cooley, a Knoxville member of the board of directors for Bike Walk Tennessee, stated, “This law brings criminal consequences and increases the possibility of having a civil lawsuit as well.”
The Metropolitan Planning Commission’s bicycling coordinator, Kelley Segars, agreed, saying distracted driving is a huge issue these days as more electronic devices enter our lives and fear of encounters with these dangerous drivers is the main reason why people do not bike or walk more. She hopes the law will encourage safer driving habits and curb some of that fear.
Popularity: 2% [?]
